Shock absorber replacement — parts and rear job

Tags: #shock-absorber · #mazda-6-compat

Choosing replacement shocks. On pre-restyling (pre-facelift) X80 models, shock absorbers from the Mazda 6 GG / Mazda Atenza (1st generation, 2002–2007) can be used as direct replacements ¹²³. Reported prices (RU market, 2024-09): shock absorbers approx. 1700 RUB (RU market, September 2024) per unit ⁴⁵. Owners often install pneumatic air springs (пневмобалоны) at the same time as the shocks, to improve ride quality and load handling ⁶; they cost approx. 4500 RUB per pair (RU market, 2024-09), and a Belarusian brand was preferred for a softer ride ⁷⁸.

Rear shock removal on a lift (2026-06 report). With the car on a lift, removing or installing a rear shock absorber is quick: using an air gun with an extension socket and a universal joint, all three mounting bolts take about 3 seconds each to remove. Access from below is generally straightforward; the main friction point is maneuvering the shock itself out through the wheel-well/mounting gap once unbolted, not the bolts themselves. The top shock-mount bolts are reachable but somewhat hidden and awkward — budget extra time for them versus the more straightforward bottom bolts ⁹¹⁰¹¹.

Rear shock removal without a lift — compress and tie. Rear shocks can be removed from underneath without a lift: compress the shock absorber (by hand or with a jack), bind it in the compressed position with cord or a tie-wrap, then extract it through the available clearance. Key safety point: the shock must stay bound while it is handled, since it will extend suddenly and forcefully if released — a real safety hazard, not just a convenience tip. Use the same compress-and-bind approach on the new shock before installation to make it easier to maneuver into place, and release the tie once it is seated. One owner successfully replaced both sides without a lift, cutting/trimming access where needed to fit tools and hands. This takes roughly 5–15 minutes per side, depending on bolt condition (seized bolts add significant time) and how much cutting/trimming for access is required ¹²¹³¹⁴.

Part and bolt numbers. FAW X80 front shock absorbers: right 5CA034700 and left 5CA034900, shown in a December 2025 listing and in the catalogue; the catalogue lists the rear shock as 5CA028700A, with a store photo linking it.^15161718 The rear shock mounting bolt cited for the X80 is Mazda 9YA0-2A-209 (also listed as FQ9YA02A209), as shown by exist.ru.¹⁹

Media

Photo of a shock absorber component discussed in the thread

Rear shock removal sequence photo from under-car perspective, demonstrating access points

Photo showing the shock absorber compressed and tied with cord before extraction

Related pages

• Mazda 6 GG shocks, forks and part numbers
• FAW X80 OEM article numbers posted in chat
• X80F catalog: chassis part codes
• Shock absorber fitment/quality issues
• Parts suppliers and catalogs directory (Russia)

Sources

This page is compiled from 19 community messages. Every fact carries a numbered reference to its original author and message.

Last updated: 2026-10-29